Journals Information
Universal Journal of Public Health Vol. 13(1), pp. 160 - 168
DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130116
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Physical Activity and Associated Factors Among Older Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases in Rural Northern Thailand
Kritsanapong Daungsupha 1, Nattapon Pansakun 2,*, Taweewun Srisookkum 3, Manuchet Manotham 3, Natnapa Promma 3, Pornpana Somjit 3, Pitipong Lidchiwwong 1
1 Office of Public Health, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province, Thailand
2 Department of Health Promotion, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
3 Department of Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Phayao, Thailand
ABSTRACT
Background: Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as a key factor in promoting healthy aging. However, Thailand's rapidly growing older adult population is experiencing high prevalence of physical inactivity and sedentary behavior, contributing to an increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This study aims to assess the levels of PA and identify the factors influencing it among older adults with NCDs in this region. Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2024, using multistage sampling to recruit 404 older adults. Data were collected through structured interviews and standardized assessment forms. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 29.0, with results presented through descriptive statistics. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were employed to identify factors associated with PA, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The study found that over one-third (39.1%) of participants reported low levels of PA, while only 23.5% engaged in high levels, with an average total PA of 1,286.5 MET-minutes per week. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed several factors significantly associated with PA, including age group (70鈥�79 years: B = -481.68; over 79 years: B = -556.11, compared to the 60鈥�69 years group), occupation category (general workers: B = 671.83; others: B = 1,073.80, compared to unemployed or retired individuals), higher personal income (B = 688.66), current alcohol consumption (B = 336.19), and self-rated health status (excellent: B = 905.42, compared to poor health). Conclusion: Older adults with NCDs exhibited low levels of PA, with significant associations observed between PA and factors such as age, occupation, income, alcohol consumption, and self-rated health status. These findings emphasize the importance of policymakers and healthcare providers taking these factors into account when designing strategies to encourage PA among older adults with NCDs. Tailored interventions will be essential to effectively meet the specific needs of this population.
KEYWORDS
Physical Activity, Healthy Aging, Older Adults, Non-communicable Diseases, Rural Thailand
Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Kritsanapong Daungsupha , Nattapon Pansakun , Taweewun Srisookkum , Manuchet Manotham , Natnapa Promma , Pornpana Somjit , Pitipong Lidchiwwong , "Physical Activity and Associated Factors Among Older Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases in Rural Northern Thailand," Universal Journal of Public Health, Vol. 13, No. 1, pp. 160 - 168, 2025. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130116.
(b). APA Format:
Kritsanapong Daungsupha , Nattapon Pansakun , Taweewun Srisookkum , Manuchet Manotham , Natnapa Promma , Pornpana Somjit , Pitipong Lidchiwwong (2025). Physical Activity and Associated Factors Among Older Adults with Non-Communicable Diseases in Rural Northern Thailand. Universal Journal of Public Health, 13(1), 160 - 168. DOI: 10.13189/ujph.2025.130116.